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My dog stepped in dried squirrel blood. Is it a health risk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 11 years and 3 months old | 61 lbs

I was walking Sabrina and I accidentally stepped in (dried) squirrel blood from a squirrel that got hit yesterday. I don’t think she stepped in it, but when we came home I wiped her feet three times - once with vinegar, once with a puppy wipe, and once with water. on the off chance she did step in it should I be worried? She is up to date on her own shoes shots.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 23rd, 2021

Hi there. No, I would not expect this to cause any problems. :) It's quite common for dogs to encounter dead squirrels and other animals, and they often pick up carcasses and carry them around, or even eat parts of them without any serious issues. There are really no diseases or other issues that your girl could pick up from the scenario you describe here, so you shouldn't need to worry.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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